Driver Safety

Why Take a Driver Safety Course?

Because driving has changed since you first got your license, and doing so could save you money

by AARP Driver Safety, Updated March 2017|Comments: 0

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Learn how to refresh your driving skills, save money, volunteer and find useful information and guidance about getting around at aarp.org/driversafety.

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day.

Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's license, but even the most experienced drivers can benefit from refreshing their driving skills.

By taking a driver refresher course you'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. In addition, you'll learn:

Research-based safety strategies that can reduce the likelihood of having a crash

Proper use of seat belts, air bags, antilock brakes and new technology found in cars today

Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities

The effects of medications on driving

The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking and using a cellphone

After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.

About the course

The AARP Smart Driver™ course, offered by AARP Driver Safety, is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older. For more than 35 years, the course has taught over 16 million drivers proven safety strategies so they can continue driving safely for as long as possible. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish in either a traditional classroom setting taught by more than 4,000 AARP-trained volunteers, or through an interactive online course that may be taken from your home computer at your own pace.

Why take the AARP Smart Driver course

Over nine in 10 course participants report changing at least one key driving behavior for the better as a result of what they learned in the course and over eight in ten participants felt that information they learned in the course has prevented them from being in a crash. Plus, you may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your insurance agent for details!*

AARP membership is not required to take the course.

The classroom course costs only $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. The cost for the online course is $19.95 for AARP members and $24.95 for nonmembers.**

How to register

After completing the course you’ll receive a certificate of completion that can be presented to your insurance agent for a possible reduction in your auto insurance premiums.

To locate a classroom course, visit aarp.org/findacourse. Course times, dates and locations will be listed along with a phone number to call to register. Or call toll-free to 877-846-3299. To register for the online course, visit aarpdriversafety.org.***

*Upon completion, you may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details.

**In the state of New York, the AARP Smart Driver classroom course is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For the online course, the prices are $25.95 for members and $29.95 for nonmembers. The additional costs cover course-related expenses, including fees payable to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The state of New York does not offer the Spanish-language online course.

*** Upon registration, participants have 60 days to complete the online course (30 days in CT and NY).